DECORAH, Iowa — Decorah High School vocal music educator Jason Rausch has been named the 2025 recipient of the Robert M. McCowen Memorial Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Iowa Choral Directors Association (ICDA). The award was presented at the ICDA Summer Symposium earlier this month and recognizes extraordinary service and lasting contributions to choral music in Iowa.

“I was honored to receive the Robert M. McCowen Memorial Award from the Iowa Choral Directors Association at our Summer Symposium,” said Rausch. “The McCowen Award is the highest award given by the ICDA and recognizes service and dedication to choral music in Iowa. Over the years I have been so lucky to work with amazing students, singers and music educators, while having the wonderful support of family and friends. I am filled with gratitude.”

Jason Rausch has served as the vocal music director at Decorah High School since 2007, where he has led a thriving choral program with excellence and innovation. In addition, for the last eleven years he has been the director of the Decorah Chorale, an adult community choir. He holds degrees from Waldorf College and Luther College, as well as a Master’s degree in choral conducting from the University of Iowa.

A recognized leader in the field of choral music, Rausch is a Past-President of the Iowa Choral Directors Association and the founder and chair of the Iowa Choral Showcase. His work has included conducting the 2005 Seventh and Eighth Grade Boys Iowa Opus Honor Choir and representing Iowa in 2012 as a clinician for the collegiate repertoire choir at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) North Central Regional Conference.

Under his direction, the Decorah High School Concert Choir has earned regional and state accolades, including selection to perform at the ACDA North Central Regional Conference in 2014. The choir has also been featured as the guest choir at the 2016 Luther College Dorian Vocal Festival and the 2024 Wartburg College Meistersinger Honor Choir Festival.

Superintendent Dr. Tim Cronin shared, “Jason Rausch’s contributions to the Decorah Community School District and to the greater Iowa choral community have been remarkable. His passion, leadership, and excellence in music education continue to inspire both students and colleagues. We are thrilled to see his dedication honored in this meaningful way.”

The Decorah Community School District congratulates Mr. Rausch on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates the impact he continues to have on students, music education, and the broader choral arts community.